Comparison of axial length of the eye in patients with diabetic retinopathy and non diabetics

Introduction: To compare the axial length of globe in patients with diabetic retinopathy with that in normal population and to evaluate its role in the progression of diabetic retinopathy. Methods: 150 patients with diabetic retinopathy in both eyes were compared with 150 age and sex matched non diabetic patients, referred to Motahari retina clinic of Shiraz, during fall 2000. The axial lengths of eye in both groups were measured using (ECHO-SCAN US-800 NIDEK) instrument. Results: The axial length of the eye in patients with diabetic retinopathy (both non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy and proliferative retinopathy) was less than that in non-diabetic patients. After omitting data of highly myopic patients (those with axial length >26 mm), axial length in patients non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy less than that in diabetics, but the difference wasn’t significant between patients with proliferative retinopathy and non diabetic patients. Conclusion: The axial was lower in diabetic retinopathy patients (both non-proliferative and proliferative) than the control group. High myopia showed protective effect on the severity of diabetic retinopathy.